Tullis Russell Paper Makers have been in existence for over 200 years having celebrated its bi-centenary in 2009. The papermaking industry has, in the past been acknowledged as a high risk industry by the HSE, and following a tragic fatal accident in 2008 at the Glenrothes facility, Unite led by the FOC, Derek Simpson identified and subsequently elected a team of 8 health and safety representatives.

Grahame Smith STUC General Secretary said
“In a comparatively short space of time the representatives have organised themselves, achieved professional health and safety qualifications and taken substantial steps towards improving health and safety management in the papermill.
“Sadly it was a fatality that produced this action but the Chief Executive Officer has been firmly behind the efforts of the team to engage with colleagues and Tullis Russell management have bought into their strategy that covers worker involvement in health and safety, trade union activity and partnership working, all key principles for making Tullis Russell a safer, healthier and more prosperous company to work for”.

Patrick McGuire, partner in Thompsons Scotland said
“The Unite Safety Representatives have to be commended for the work they have done and fully deserve this award. They are proof that a health and safety structure involving independent trade union accredited safety reps is the only way to reduce workplace accidents while, at the same time, encouraging workers to raise health and safety issues with confidence that they will be addressed.
“While some, especially in middle management, may be disparaging about their efforts this confidence is evidenced by a growing number of workers joining Unite at Tullis Russell”.